The Importance of Routine Cancer Screenings – Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital

During the COVID-19 pandemic many people delayed or canceled routine cancer screenings. A year ago the National Cancer Institute predicted there would be more than 10,000 deaths from cancer over the next 10 years as a result of people not getting recommended cancer screenings.
The likelihood of being diagnosed with cancer can increase with age. Most people do not experience symptoms of cancer until it is in an advanced stage. Having routine cancer screenings is vital because the screenings may detect cancer before symptoms appear. When abnormalities are caught early, treatment and remission are more likely. If you wait until symptoms appear, the cancer may have grown or spread to other areas of the body, making it more difficult to treat and cure.
It is important to note that screening tests do not diagnose cancer. Instead, they screen for abnormalities that will require diagnostic tests to check for cancer.
Some people may have a higher chance of developing certain cancers. Those risk factors include a personal history of cancer, family history of cancer, exposure to cancer-causing substances, and older age. Not having a risk factor doesn’t mean a cancer diagnosis won’t occur, as cancer can develop in those who are considered low risk, so it is important to continue with routine screenings even if you are in a low-risk category.
There are different risk factors for breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancers, including genetics, age and lifestyle habits. For example, 85% of lung cancers are attributed to using tobacco products, and the chances of developing prostate cancer greatly increase if there is a family history of prostate cancer.
Now is the time to make regular cancer screenings part of your routine again. Talk to your doctor or visit henrymayo.com/screening.